Caring for someone with dementia means devotedly and patiently doing a hundred little things each day. Few care providers are trained to meet the challenges of dementia, however—and that is where A Loving Approach to Dementia Care can help. The book offers practical, compassionate advice on overcoming caregiving obstacles and maintaining meaningful relationships with loved ones who have dementia and memory loss. Laura Wayman’s program of care emphasizes communication, affirmative response, and empowerment—transforming the caregiving process from a burden into a fulfilling journey. Her true stories of caregiving illustrate the principles of this loving approach, giving readers essential tools for connecting with people who have dementia. A practitioner whose strategies have seen great success in thousands of individual homes and facilities across the country, Wayman explains that denying dementia symptoms can make a hard situation worse and shows how understanding the limits and possibilities of the person who has dementia can make all the difference in the world. In this thoroughly revised edition, Wayman adds fresh caregiving insights, two completely new chapters that explore the dangers of denial by both caregivers and people with memory loss, and the "Dementia-Aware Guide to Caregiving"—a quick reference tool for advice on how to respond to specific difficult behaviors. In addition to offering valuable lessons on providing the best possible care, Wayman urges caregivers not to neglect themselves: take care of yourself so you will have physical and mental energy to share with your loved one. Her practical tips will help you balance your own needs with those of your loved one, creating a more positive experience for everyone. A Loving Approach to Dementia Care is an empathetic guide, filled with respect, calm, creativity—and love. Reviews: "It is good to have a guide that is as intuitive and humane as Laura Wayman. This book can be read profitably by family and friends of those affected with this disease and by anyone contemplating a career in elderly care. It will help lighten the burden for caregiver and patient alike." — Metapsychology "It is a book I wanted to share with everybody. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry (really!) but most of all it made me think... as a resource I feel it is invaluable and I will be keeping it near to hand. It is not only a useful tool for use with dementia but it is also life-affirming." — Nursing Times "This book can be warmly recommended to caregivers as an upbeat and encouraging guide to developing those brief moments of successful communication... A Loving Approach to Dementia Care is exactly what it says on the label." — International Psychogeriatrics "Both A Loving Approach to Dementia Care and Aging Together are very kindly books giving warm guidance on coping with old people who are seriously confused." — International Psychogeriatrics "An amazing book that focuses on the people involved in the journey of caregiving. Readers will be able to relate to the stories that Laura Wayman tells, and having her insights is like having your own personal caregiver trainer, complete with invaluable tips and strategies. This is an excellent guide—a must read for caregivers." — Denise Davis, Program Director, Alzheimer's Association of Northern California/Northern Nevada, Greater Sacramento Area Office "Although there are many books about dementia, far too few give voice to people living with dementia. Laura Wayman's A Loving Approach to Dementia Care places the person at the center of a remarkable journey of understanding. A universe of choice comes into being when meaningful connections develop between the people who are giving and receiving care and Wayman shows us how person and relationship can take precedence over diagnosis and disease. This is an exceptionally valuable contribution to the literature." — Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of the Eden Alternative and author of What Are Old People For? "Laura Wayman has been providing valuable education to our families for the past decade. Ms. Wayman has a knack for connecting with her audience and engaging them with examples from actual families she has assisted over the years. I am pleased that her book is available to supplement her insightful trainings. Family caregivers will truly benefit from Laura’s expertise in connecting with people who have dementia in a loving and meaningful way." — Michelle Nevins, Executive Director, Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, California Table of Contents: Foreword, by Cary G. Rotter Thanks and Appreciation 1 Introduction: Navigating the Journey 2 Peggy: The Ultimate Toll With Alicia Murray 3 Deborah: A Daughter's Journey 4 Charles: There Is Nothing Wrong with Me 5 Frances: What Is Dementia? 6 Jill: Into the Dementia Wonderland 7 Natalie: Much More than Words 8 Vada: Past, Present, and Future 9 Joe: Communicating the Gift of Value 10 Lucy and Betty: Thinking Outside the Box 11 Edna: You're Just Imagining Things 12 Margie: If You Keep Doing What You Are Doing . . . 13 Harry: It's Bath Night! 14 Susan: Dealing with Disruption With Alicia Murray 15 Grace: Moving beyond Guilt With Alicia Murray 16 Virginia: Laughter Is Therapeutic With Alicia Murray 17 Beatrice and Henry: The Power of Gratitude 18 Sean: The Puzzling Pieces of Grief With Denise Pedersen 19 Lessons, Perceptions, and Approaches: A Reader's Guide The Dementia-Aware Guide to Caregiving References About the Authors Index About the Author: Laura Wayman holds an associate in arts degree in gerontology and is a certified Social Services Designee. She has over a decade of experience in and a strong dedication to quality aging. She is a professional dementia care consultant; the CEO of The Dementia Whisperers; and a sought-after speaker on dementia and issues of aging. |